England's training camp in Loughborough last week catapulted the issue of player welfare back into spotlight with more than half of the 55-strong squad unable to train because of injury.

Increased rest periods are one possible solution and Martyn Thomas, chairman of the RFU's management board, confirmed work on creating a substantial break has already begun.

"At the moment we are looking at a introducing 12-week break," he said.

"The first step is to get our act together in the northern hemisphere.

"There's work to be done and the Rugby Football Union has started on that with the other countries in the northern hemisphere.

"But it will take a couple of years."

Thomas revealed introducing a global season would also be very beneficial.

"We have different summers and winters so the northern and southern hemispheres have different times for playing rugby," he said.

"But it could well be helpful if at some stage we work towards the concept of a global season which would have a positive impact on players.

"There would be proper rest periods for both hemispheres."